Patents by Inventor Alan WINFREE

Alan WINFREE has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9186173
    Abstract: An optical obturator system is described. The optical obturator system includes a transparent window member provided on a distal tip portion of the obturator shaft, thus permitting the surgeon to visualize the tissue of the patient (e.g., via an imaging system positioned near the window member). One or more major portions of the optical obturator system may be formed of a biocompatible material, such as but not limited to stainless steel. Accordingly, the optical obturator system may be reusable for a relatively large number of surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Specialty Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Winfree, Stan Ashburn
  • Patent number: 9101315
    Abstract: A cannula system is described. The cannula system may be formed of biocompatible materials that are suitable to be sterilized. Accordingly, the cannula system may be reusable for a relatively large number of surgical procedures assuming conventional sterilization techniques are employed after each surgical procedure. Additionally, the cannula system may be provided with an internal valve system disposed in a port portion thereof wherein the valve system may be operable to receive the trocar there through, as well as maintaining insufflation of the body cavity. Furthermore, the cannula system may be provided with a plurality of rib members formed on an external surface of the cannula shaft, wherein the rib members may engage the tissues adjacent the incision, thus maintaining the position of the cannula shaft and reducing and/or lessening relative movement of the cannula shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Specialty Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Winfree, Robert Henry
  • Patent number: 8821526
    Abstract: A trocar is described. The trocar is formed of a biocompatible material, such as but not limited to stainless steel. Accordingly, the trocar is reusable for a relatively large number of surgical procedures assuming conventional sterilization techniques are employed after each surgical procedure. Additionally, the trocar is provided with an angled blade design formed on a distal portion of the trocar shaft. More specifically, the blade design includes a first portion extending substantially co-planar to a proximal portion of the tip portion of the trocar shaft and a second portion extending angularly inwardly towards a distal portion of the tip portion of the trocar shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Specialtycare, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Winfree, Stan Ashburn, Robert Henry
  • Publication number: 20130289600
    Abstract: An optical obturator system is described. The optical obturator system includes a transparent window member provided on a distal tip portion of the obturator shaft, thus permitting the surgeon to visualize the tissue of the patient (e.g., via an imaging system positioned near the window member). One or more major portions of the optical obturator system may be formed of a biocompatible material, such as but not limited to stainless steel. Accordingly, the optical obturator system may be reusable for a relatively large number of surgical procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: ALAN WINFREE, STAN ASHBURN
  • Publication number: 20120123460
    Abstract: A trocar is described. The trocar is formed of a biocompatible material, such as but not limited to stainless steel. Accordingly, the trocar is reusable for a relatively large number of surgical procedures assuming conventional sterilization techniques are employed after each surgical procedure. Additionally, the trocar is provided with an angled blade design formed on a distal portion of the trocar shaft. More specifically, the blade design includes a first portion extending substantially co-planar to a proximal portion of the tip portion of the trocar shaft and a second portion extending angularly inwardly towards a distal portion of the tip portion of the trocar shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: ALAN WINFREE, Stan Ashburn, Robert Henry
  • Publication number: 20120123216
    Abstract: A cannula system is described. The cannula system may be formed of biocompatible materials that are suitable to be sterilized. Accordingly, the cannula system may be reusable for a relatively large number of surgical procedures assuming conventional sterilization techniques are employed after each surgical procedure. Additionally, the cannula system may be provided with an internal valve system disposed in a port portion thereof wherein the valve system may be operable to receive the trocar there through, as well as maintaining insufflation of the body cavity. Furthermore, the cannula system may be provided with a plurality of rib members formed on an external surface of the cannula shaft, wherein the rib members may engage the tissues adjacent the incision, thus maintaining the position of the cannula shaft and reducing and/or lessening relative movement of the cannula shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Alan WINFREE, Robert HENRY